Rugby Union

Inter-Services 2017: Byrne's Boot Sees Off Defending Champions At RAF Halton

The Royal Air Force rugby players have edged past the Royal Navy 16-14 in the opening game of this year's Inter-Services Championship.

Stuart Philpott scored a try, with all the other Air Force points coming from the boot of Andy Byrne as the airmen saw off the defending champions at RAF Halton.

The Navy, meanwhile, scored a try through David Fairbrother and three penalties from John Humphrey.

Both sides face Army opposition next, with the RAF travelling to Aldershot in a fortnight before the Senior Service lock horns with their old rivals at Twickenham at the end of the month in what will be the 100th Army v Navy match.